When we sampled the new C3 in 2023, we concluded that Citroën’s entry-level offering is too good to fail, not only thanks to its stylish design, comfortable drive, generous standard equipment, and, of course, Gallic charm, but, mostly, because of its price.
The C3 Feel is currently priced from only R236 900, which, if you are looking for a budget-oriented hatch-cum-crossover is worthy of your consideration. However, if you wanted a bit more, the local arm of the French firm offered customers to tick several option boxes — which included items such as alloy wheels, among others — to personalise their C3.
However, for those who are inclined to do so, Citroën South Africa has made it easier. How, you ask? Well, the answer is simple — offer a derivative with additional spec without having you, the buyer, to flick your wrist by putting a check mark in pen next to an optional item. The variant comes in the shape of the C3 MAX.
So, what can you expect from this model and, most importantly, what additional specification comes with its R13 000 price increase over the C3 Feel, the latter of which has been named as a finalist in this year’s instalment of the South African Car of the Year Awards?
Well, let’s take a look… The enhancements made to the C3 Feel to turn it into the “bold” C3 MAX are predominantly cosmetic. The C3 MAX ships with front fog lamps, have been fitted with an aft skid plate, and equipped with alloy wheels, the latter of which measures 15 inches in diameter.
The interior remains the same and, as mentioned, generously equipped for the asking price. There are items such as a 7.0-inch instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, which incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The powertrain has remained, too, with the C3 MAX endowed with a 1.2-litre atmospheric triple, which produces 61 kW an d 115 Nm. According to Citroën, the engine sips 5.6 L/100 km.